Unlike 1989's Wired, in which Michael Chiklis played Belushi, this new film has the cooperation of Belushi's family and friends. Belushi's widow, Judy Belushi Pisano, will produce and his Blues Brothersco-star Dan Aykroyd will executive-produce the project.

Over the years, Hirsch has made a name for himself playing real-life people in films such as Into the Wild and Milk. He next stars in another film based on true events, Lone Survivor, about SEAL Team 10's failed mission to capture and kill a Taliban leader during the War in Afghanistan.